U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program – Operations and Maintenance

Diagnostic Tools for Cooling Towers

Thermography refers to the use of an infrared thermometer or camera to get an accurate, non-contact assessment of temperature. Applications for cooling towers include bearing and electrical contact assessments on motor and fan systems as well as hot spots on belt and other drive systems.

Electric motor and fan systems emit very distinct sound patterns around bearings and drives (direct or belt). In most cases, these sounds are not audible to the unaided ear, or are drowned out by other equipment noises. Using an ultrasonic detector, the analyst is able to isolate the frequency of sound being emitted by the bearing or drive. Changes in these ultrasonic wave emissions are indicative of changes in equipment condition—some of these changes can be a precursor to component degradation and failure.